Teeth Whitening

Sparkling white teeth is important not just for cosmetic reasons but it is also an indication of good dental health condition. Even after proper brushing and flossing, we find that our teeth tend to get discolored. This happens mainly because the teeth get stained by tea, coffee, tobacco, soda, etc. Sometimes, tiny food particles stuck into the minute cracks of teeth are also responsible for the staining. Teeth whitening is a part of cosmetic dentistry and includes all those processes that can help to get rid of discoloration of teeth.

Methods to Whiten Teeth

There are a number of methods that are recommended by dentists for the purpose of whitening of teeth. They are as follows:

Whitening Toothpastes: There are many over the counter whitening toothpastes available that can whiten the teeth with minor discoloration. Many of these toothpastes are abrasive in nature and can make the teeth very sensitive. Therefore, you should ask your dentist before using any of them.

Dental Cleaning: Regular dental cleaning at dentist's office helps to restore the fresh white teeth. This whitening method is effective to get rid of those stains that are left behind by various foods and tobacco. However, it does not give satisfying results against more severe staining that are caused by medicines or any underlying health problem.

Bleaching of Teeth: This is an excellent treatment for sensitive teeth and is conducted at dentist's office. First of all, the lips and gums are thoroughly covered to isolate the teeth. Then a bleaching gel is applied on the teeth and is followed by flashing of laser rays upon it in order to activate the gel. One may require more than one appointment for this treatment. Each session of this procedure last for almost one hour.

Teeth Whitening Trays: This is another method of teeth bleaching. For this treatment, clear plastic trays are made that can be accommodated perfectly into patient's mouth. These whitening trays are fitted with bleaching agent that can whiten the tooth. The patient need to wear it for few hours every day as per the instructions of the dentist for a certain period of time. As a result, the teeth will get whitened gradually.

Teeth Whitening Home Remedies

As the treatments that we discussed above are expensive and require several visits to the dentist, many people prefer to try some home remedies. They are as follows:

Hydrogen Peroxide: Tooth whitening with hydrogen peroxide is very popular as it is an inexpensive treatment. Brush your teeth as usual with normal toothpaste. Then take some hydrogen peroxide in your mouth and gargle for a minute. Finally, spit it out and wash you mouth properly with plain water. Make sure you do not swallow it. You may experience a mild burning sensation of the gums but it will go after some time.

Baking Soda: Baking soda is a traditional method and is considered as safe even by dentists. Simply damp your toothbrush, put some baking soda on it and brush your teeth with it. You can also prepare a paste by mixing up baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and some table salt and brush your teeth with it regularly.

Strawberries: Strawberries are a rich source of malic acid which have excellent bleaching properties. So, eating plenty of strawberries can improve the condition of your teeth. Or else, you just mash a strawberry and rub it over the teeth gently. Very soon you will find the teeth have brightened up.

Banana Peel: Take a ripe banana peel and rub the inner side of it on your teeth for two minutes. Then brush your teeth as usual. This should be done daily for two weeks and you will see a significant improvement in the color of the teeth.

The effects of these treatment often vary in every individual cases. Some may get desired results within a few weeks and others may have to wait longer to achieve that. It largely depends on how old the stains are. If the stain is quite, old then it will require more time for elimination.